ATICAN 29 Jun 2012 Anglican and Vatican choirs join for saints’ feast day In an unprecedented manifestation of ecumenism, the Westminster Abbey choir will join with the Sistine Chapel choir in St. Pet

June 29, 2012 - NULL

ATICAN 29 Jun 2012 Anglican and Vatican choirs join for saints' feast day In an unprecedented manifestation of ecumenism, the Westminster Abbey choir will join with the Sistine Chapel choir in St. Peter's basilica on Jun 29 for liturgical celebrations of the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. A joint statement from the Anglican Church and the Vatican noted that this "is the first time in its over-500 year history that the Sistine Chapel Choir has joined forces with another choir." Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the head of the worldwide Anglican Church, is expected to attend the Jun

ATICAN 29 Jun 2012 Anglican and Vatican choirs join for saints' feast day In an unprecedented manifestation of ecumenism, the Westminster Abbey choir will join with the Sistine Chapel choir in St. Peter's basilica on Jun 29 for liturgical celebrations of the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. A joint statement from the Anglican Church and the Vatican noted that this "is the first time in its over-500 year history that the Sistine Chapel Choir has joined forces with another choir." Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the head of the worldwide Anglican Church, is expected to attend the Jun 29 ceremonies.

The two religious leaders have remained on amicable terms despite the Vatican's criticism of the Anglican decision to ordain women priests by the Church of England, which is also considering ordaining women bishops. Relations between the two churches were further strained after the Vatican announced a special category to accommodate conservative Anglicans who convert to Catholicism without abandoning all of their Anglican traditions.

In a report about the ceremonies from Catholic World News, the Anglican prelate said it is appropriate for the choir to perform in St. Peter's basilica because he is the patron of Westminster Abbey. CWN notes that Westminster Abbey was founded by the Benedictine, a monastic Catholic order, in 960 and remained a Benedictine monastery until the Anglican takeover.

Pope Benedict XVI visited Westminster Abbey during his visit to England in Sep 2010 and joined Archbishop Williams in an ecumenical service there. (WRITTEN MAR 2012)

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Date written/update: 2012-06-29

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